SUMMER VIEWING.

Over the summer we've been binge watching/catching up with several box sets online; currently watching season 3 of the 11 seasons of MODERN FAMILY, we have finished all 15 seasons of CRIMINAL MINDS, all six seasons of LIFE IN PIECES and are awaiting season 6 {the final season} of THIS IS US .

We have also watched several movies, most of which I hadn't thought to share with you. However, it having been requested Mr T and I recommence sharing our thoughts on the films we've watched, I give you ...

SURBURBAN GOTHIC {2014} ...

A film I must admit may not have crossed our radar if it wasn't for the fact that the lead character {Raymond} was played by none other than Criminal Mind's Spencer Reid {actor Matthew Gray Gubler}.

A weird comedy-horror drama, low budget and yet, for all of that, a fun little film with some comically dark moments {think Scobby Doo only a bit more creepy}. Raymond {largely Spencer Reid but then why not when the actor does 'nerdy geek' to such good effect} a lovable character; his quick-witted responses to the insults levied at him had me laughing out loud as did the exchanges between him and his father {played by Ray Wise}, his romance with the heavily tattooed, depressed, 'badass' Goth Becca {played by Kat Dennings} innocently sweet. Oh! And there's a great sound track to boot. FGT

Matthew Gray Gubler (of Crimnial Minds fame) stars as Raymond, in a quirky little independent movie playing a similarly idiosyncratic and brilliant oddball who returns home to his obsessive mother and overbearing father, with little intent as to his future. Despite the similarities in character with Dr. Reid's crime busting prior role the significant difference is the capacity to channel the paranormal that leads to an increasingly odd and genuinely scary moments in the film. Kat Dennings depressive Goth provides a good foil for Raymonds parental frustrations and in understanding the paranormal events. Lovely, albeit brief Cameo from John Waters is a delight. Yes worth a watch. NJT

And then, in an afternoon of myths, legends and dragons ... I mustn't forget the dragons ...

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON {2004} ...

Feeling more like a 1980's 'made for tv' movie produced in the 1980's than a 2004 'big budget' production. Still, an enjoyable enough family film with some witty tongue in cheek humour, a feisty female princess {played by Piper Perabo} and an equally feisty nun {played by Caroline Carver}. Oh and there's a dragon.

With some surprisingly familiar actors {at least to a British audience} ... {Bill Treacher, Simon Callow, Bill Oddie and Patrick Swayze amongst them, {the latter in hardly his finest role it has to be said}. Problem was there was not enough action to make it a good action/adventure film and, though with some nice enough comic touches, it was not nearly funny enough to carry the film as a comedy. FGT

Well..ok... sort of. Just genuinely taken aback to see this film was only 2004 as the production values are clearly more 1984 if I'm generous. James Purefoy donning the chainmail of the eponymous knight and swordfighting his way through a mixup narrative absorbing versions of the legends. Michael Clarke Duncan does a good turn as his Muslim counterpart returned with him from the wars as does Simon Callow as the beleaguered King Edgar. Real treat was seeing Bill Treacher in a film role rather than as Arthur of EastEnders ... and Bill Oddie! I mean Bill Oddie! Really such an interesting casting couch for this film. Patrick Swayze's in there too for those so inclined although I am yet to understand how or why this gentlemen has an equity card. It's watchable and has a few funny moments in it but don't expect pithy tense dialogue. NJT

ARTHUR AND MERLIN {2015} ... 

Celtic warriors √ A reclusive wizard √ An oh so evil Druid √ A spooky forest √  A battle between good and evil √

 A low budget fantasy feature re-imagining of the Arthur - Merlin story that would make a great introduction to a tv spin-off. With its poor writing, supposedly Dark Age women in full make-up and quite frankly laughable fight scenes, not the best film I've ever seen but then by no means is it the worst either, it filled in 100 minutes beautifully.  FGT

ERR... NO. This is what happens when you oblige your beloved to pick something to watch on a wet Saturday afternoon. Cheap and less interesting than the rain falling. NJT

AGE OF DRAGONS {2011} ... 

Replace the whale with a dragon, the ship with, with, err, a sort of  tank like vehicle, have Danny Glover play Ahab

and you essentially have a land-locked re-imagining of Herman Melville's  Moby Dick.

More drag {I confess to having 40 winks ... probably missing the only good bit in the film knowing my luck} than dragon. Some films are charming enough to get away with dire scripts, dubious acting and poor special effects {see the films above} ... this one wasn't. FGT

A retelling of Moby Dick with Danny Glover in the Ahab role, convincing in his unforgiving and relentless pursuit of the great white dragon that destroyed his family and left him deeply scarred physically and emotionally. Otherwise not a lot to commend it and I should imagine that if Herman Melville had vision of the landcruiser whaling vessel that is home for much of the action in this flick, he would probably be spinning in his grave. Not even Vinnie Jones being his best East End hardman turned hardened experienced dragon hunter lifts this movie out of its doldrums. NJT